7 Android Security Settings to Change Before Connecting Your New Phone
Setting up a new Google Pixel or Android phone usually starts with connecting to Wi-Fi, signing into a Google account and downloading apps. But before putting a new device online, users may want to review several built-in security and privacy controls that can reduce exposure to theft, unwanted tracking, insecure networks and other risks.
Many of these protections take only a few minutes to configure. Here are seven Android security settings worth checking when setting up a new phone.
1. Turn On Android Theft Protection
Protect the device and personal data if a phone is stolen
Android’s Theft Protection features are designed to help secure a device if it is taken. Theft Detection Lock can automatically lock the screen when the system detects movement associated with a possible snatch-and-run theft.
On supported devices, users can find the feature under Settings > Security & privacy > Lost device protection > Theft protection. Searching Settings for “Theft protection” may also provide a shortcut.
Enable Theft Detection Lock to activate the feature.
Users can also turn on Offline Device Lock, which can lock the phone after it goes offline. Accessing the device afterward requires authentication, adding another barrier to someone attempting to reach personal apps and information.
2. Enable Remote Lock
Secure a missing Android phone from another device
Remote Lock provides another safeguard if a smartphone is lost or stolen. When enabled, it allows users to remotely lock a supported Android device through a web browser.
The feature is particularly useful when someone realizes they left a phone in a public location and cannot confirm whether its screen is locked.
Users should check Settings > Security & privacy > Lost device protection > Theft protection and verify that Remote Lock is enabled.
Google’s Remote Lock service can then be accessed from another device, with identity verification required before the missing handset is secured.
3. Check Unknown Tracker Alerts
Detect unwanted Bluetooth tracking devices
Bluetooth trackers can help locate luggage, keys and other belongings, but they can also be misused to track people without their knowledge.
Android includes unknown tracker alerts designed to detect compatible Bluetooth trackers traveling with a user. The system can also identify trackers from other ecosystems, including Apple AirTags.
The setting can typically be found under Security & privacy > More security & privacy > Unknown tracker alerts.
Users can perform a manual scan for nearby unknown trackers. If one is detected, Android can provide information to help locate or disable it.
4. Review Gboard Privacy Settings
Limit optional keyboard data sharing
Gboard is the default keyboard on Google Pixel phones and is widely used across Android devices. It includes features such as voice typing, translation and personalized suggestions.
Privacy-conscious users should review which optional data-sharing and personalization features are enabled.
Open Gboard Settings > Privacy, or navigate through Settings > System > Keyboard > Keyboard apps > Gboard on supported Android versions.
Options such as Share usage statistics and personalization controls can be disabled for users who prefer to limit optional data sharing with Google. The exact settings available can vary by device and software version.
5. Enable Mobile Network Security Alerts and Block 2G
Add protection against potentially unsafe network connections
Pixel and some stock Android devices include mobile network security controls that can warn users about potentially insecure cellular connections.
On supported phones, look under Security & privacy > More security & privacy > Mobile network security and enable available network notifications.
Users should also consider enabling Block 2G where supported. Older 2G cellular technology lacks many of the security improvements found in modern 4G/LTE and 5G networks.
Samsung Galaxy phones may offer different controls, including suspicious-network detection through Intelligent Wi-Fi, depending on the model and One UI version.
6. Hide Password Characters While Typing
Reduce the risk of shoulder surfing in public
Android devices can briefly display password characters as they are entered. While convenient for catching typing mistakes, the feature can expose credentials to someone watching over a user’s shoulder.
On Pixel and stock Android devices, navigate to Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy controls and disable Show passwords for touchscreen.
Samsung Galaxy users can look under Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings for the corresponding option.
Once disabled, password characters remain masked while being entered, providing additional privacy in airports, coffee shops, public transit and other crowded places.
7. Install Android Security Updates Immediately
Check system and Google Play updates before regular use
Keeping Android updated remains one of the simplest and most important security measures.
Before installing a full collection of apps or signing into sensitive services, users should check for the latest operating-system security patches and Google Play system updates. These releases can address known vulnerabilities, software bugs and other security issues.
On many Android devices, updates can be checked through Settings > System > Software updates. Users should check both the main system update and Google Play system update where those options are available.
Because Android manufacturers organize their menus differently, the exact path can vary among Pixel, Samsung Galaxy and other devices.
A Few Minutes of Setup Can Strengthen Android Security
Android offers a growing collection of protections against device theft, unwanted tracking, insecure connections and unauthorized access, but not every security feature is necessarily enabled or configured the way a user prefers out of the box.
Reviewing Theft Protection, Remote Lock, tracker detection, keyboard privacy, network security, password visibility and software updates before settling into a new Android phone can provide a stronger security baseline with relatively little effort.
Jacob Whitman is a contributor at Prudent Press Agency, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. With an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessibility, Jacob aims to provide useful insights and timely stories that matter to everyday readers and the communities they follow.
